Visiting Italian FM urges revived Mideast peacemaking

Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D’Alema called Thursday for the resumption of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians as the only way to end their spiraling violence. (International Herald Tribune — 8 September, 2006)+ related stories

Prodded by visiting British Prime Minister Tony Blair, the Israeli and Palestinian leaders on Sunday said they are ready to resume contacts unconditionally _ a small step that could lead toward resumption of peace talks. (International Herald Tribune — 27 minutes ago)+ related stories

British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Sunday the world should restore contacts with the Palestinians, if the ruling Hamas group forms a government with more moderate factions. But Hamas immediately rejected his conditions — that it renounce violence and recognize Israel. (CNN — 4 hours ago)+ related stories

The Palestinian president says he is ready for talks with his Israeli counterpart, after meeting the UK’s Tony Blair. (BBC News — 3 hours ago)+ related stories